September 16, 2024 Virtual Sessions to Focus on Book Centered Around Wonder and Fred Rogers Two free virtual book study sessions will be held for release of a new book on the subjects of Wonder and Fred Rogers in September and October. Wonder and Fred Rogers The events will involve a discussion of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. The authors will take part in both sessions. The book covers the importance of wonder for children. It cites Rogers’ – of Pittsburgh-based TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” – ability to spark a sense of wonder in children. The book also covers how Rogers encouraged and nurtured children’s play and helped learners manage their feelings and try new things. The sessions will be held on: Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET Registration is now open for the event. More information on the Wonder and Fred Rogers book can be found on Remake Learning’s website.
Pittsburgh Seeks Feedback on Residents’ Use of EngagePGH Platform The Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services seeks residents’ input on using the EngagePGH platform. Learn More The city is evaluating how it informs and connects with residents through EngagePGH, its digital engagement platform. A survey on the platform will inform the creation of policies and procedures so that all city departments are sharing information about projects clearly and consistently. EngagePGH hosts hundreds of project pages for residents to access updates on capital and infrastructure projects, planning and budgeting processes, and other initiatives. The platform is a means of sharing information and soliciting feedback. It also helps to ensure that city projects and programs serve residents in a manner that enables them to thrive. EngagePGH Survey The survey asks for feedback on: How residents use EngagePGH Which features matter most to them What would improve residents’ experience with the platform The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. After reviewing survey results and completing standard operating procedures for EngagePGH, the Office of Neighborhood Services will publish updated digital engagement standards on its portal. The survey is now available online.
September 11, 2024 Free Events Throughout Pittsburgh RAD Days in September and October Pittsburgh’s Regional Asset District (RAD) is offering Pittsburgh RAD Days from September through early October, providing numerous free activities throughout the city. Learn More RAD Days, which will run from Sept. 7 through Oct. 6, provides an opportunity to see Allegheny County’s top cultural attractions free of charge. Free events are offered nearly every day during RAD Days. Some of these include: Science Stroll: Floria and Fungi Hike (Sept. 7) Free Pittsburgh museum admission (various days) Conversation with Holocaust survivor Solange Lebovitz (Sept. 12) Pittsburgh Opera’s Rising Stars Concert (Sept. 15) Tour of PNC Park (Sept. 17) Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (Sept. 22) Contemporary Craft Community Day (Sept. 28) Owl Prowl at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Oct. 3) More information on events can be found on the RAD Days website. To obtain a RAD Pass, sign up with your Allegheny County library card. About RAD One penny from every taxable dollar spent in Allegheny County goes to support the region’s quality of life. Half of the proceeds are distributed by RAD to regional assets such as libraries, parks, arts organizations, and other area attractions. The other half is distributed directly to the county and its 128 municipalities to support tax relief and local government services.
Allegheny County Parks Announces Fall Concert Series Allegheny County Parks has announced four upcoming shows for its fall concert series on Saturdays in September and October. Fall Concert Series All events are free and weather permitting. The concerts run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in September and October. Attendees should bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. Concerts in the series include: Sept. 14: Jazzmania (South Park Amphitheater, 3700 Farmshow Drive, South Park Township) Sept. 21: Anton DeFade Quintet (Harrison Hills Park Yakaon Shelter, off Park Lane, Natrona Heights) Sept. 28: The Beagle Brothers (White Oak Park, Tulip Tree Shelter, off White Oak Park Extension, White Oak) Oct. 5: Bobby Thompson and The Chosen Few (Round Hill Park Visitors Center, 651 Round Hill Road, Elizabeth Township) For more information, take a look at the fall concert calendar.
September 10, 2024 Harvard University Center Releases New Science X Design Learning Toolkit Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child has released a new learning toolkit for Science X Design users. About Science X Design Science X Design is an open-access, self-paced learning module that is designed to help service providers improve outcomes for young children and their caregivers. Pronounced “science by design,” the toolkit aims to empower service providers in such fields as healthcare, education, and child welfare. It helps to identify new opportunities to improve services in these fields. The toolkit also offers curated information on three design principles informed by the science of early childhood development and guides users in gathering input from the people involved in services. Through an interactive learning, listening, and synthesis process, users can identify opportunities to adapt early childhood programs to support the healthy development of young children and their caregivers. The module takes about four to six weeks to complete and was designed to be completed as a team. A course overview and information on who should participate in the module can be found on Harvard’s website as well as information on how long it will take and what outcomes to expect.
Early Childhood Educators Should Update Mandated Reporter Training for New School Year Early childhood educators looking to update mandated reporter training for the school year should visit iLookOut for new online courses. Update Mandated Reporter Training Educators are required to keep up to date with their required three hours of Act 31-mandated reporter training. The iLookOut for Child Abuse Project offers online courses about protecting and supporting children and their families free of charge. Visitors to the site will learn how to support at-risk children and their families and meet required training with interactive, video-based storyline training. The site includes eight- to 12-minute micro-learning exercises and is available to all Pennsylvania-mandated reporters. Participants can receive a $15 gift card for completing iLookOut’s mandated reporter training. About iLookOut iLookOut is a multimedia, online learning program that prepares mandated reporters to meet their professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse. Part of Penn State College of Medicine’s Department of Humanities and Center for the Protection of Children, iLookOut engages learners through real-life scenarios that raise concerns about possible child abuse. Through video and narrative, interactive learning activities help participants acquire and operationalize knowledge to protect children from harm. For more information and to update mandate reporter training, visit iLookOut’s website.
September 9, 2024 Licensed Child Care Providers Can Apply for PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant Licensed child care providers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to apply for the 2024-25 PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant. To apply, providers must serve a minimum of four children, ages birth to five years. Past participants are also eligible to apply. Learn More The grant provides an opportunity to engage in a continuous quality improvement process focused on obesity prevention practices and policies in early care and education settings. The program utilizes Go NAPSACC, an online, evidence-based tool, to guide self-assessment, action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policy. Programs will be linked with a child care health consultant at no cost to the site. The consultant will review nutrition and physical activity practices and policies, assist with developing sustainable policies, and offer guidance for quality improvement. Those who participate and complete grant requirements will receive up to $500 in grant funding. The funding can support staff time or any necessary materials and resources. More Details For STAR 3 and 4 programs, participation in all components of the PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant satisfies Keystone STARS performance standards for utilizing a healthcare consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification. It also satisfies bonus points area Partnerships with Families and Communities for participating in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children. Following the application period, applicants will be invited to participate in an Oct. 23 webinar from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. The webinar will be recorded and shared with all eligible applicants. After the webinar, program enrollment will be based on the first 50 programs to complete enrollment tasks outlined in the webinar. How to Apply Those interested in participating should complete and submit an online application or visit the Keystone Kids Go website. For questions or additional information, call Cindy Wilson at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit at 717-248-4942, ext. 143, or email cjwilson@tiu11.org. The application deadline is Oct. 4.
PA Promise Releases Book List for Families and Friends Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has compiled a list of books that are best for families and friends. Learn More As part of its monthly Learning is Everywhere Calendar, PA Promise for Children has released a printable list of 12 Family and Friends Books. Book List for Families and Friends includes: Ciencia Magica enla sala de estar (Richard Robinson) Please, Baby, Please (Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee) Who’s In My Family (Robie H. Harris) More More More Said the Baby: Three Love Stories (Vera Williams) Annie Rose is My Little Sister (Shirley Hughes) Lion in the Living Room (Caelaach McKinna and A.R. Stone) Crazy Hair Day (Barney Saltzberg) Toot and Puddle, You Are My Sunshine (Holly Hobbie) Guess How Much I Love You (Sam McBratney) Max’s First Word (Rosemary Wells) Hunter’s Best Friend at School (L.M. Elliott) Harold and the Purple Crayon (Crockett Johnson) About PA Promise for Children Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, also known as PA Promise, is a campaign to help families make good choices about their child’s early learning and choose quality early learning programs that are right for their family. The state’s Office of Early Learning and Development (OCDEL) is the primary partner for PA Promise.
September 6, 2024 Homewood Early Learning Hub to Host Voting Info Session for November Election The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center and Trying Together’s Public Policy Team will host voting info sessions in early October to enhance voting knowledge and readiness ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Learn More Your Family’s Voice Matters: Voting Guide for Parents and Children is a series of events being held to prepare for the election. The latest event, Voting Power Hour: Quick Policy Pop-Up, is an hour-long session that will cover several topics relating to the election, including: Voter registration Absentee ballots First-time voters Creating a voting plan How voting affects one’s family and community The voting info session will provide step-by-step help for registering as well as application and management tips for absentee voters. The voting plan topic will cover how to effectively prepare for Election Day. More Details On-site child care will be provided during the event and refreshments will be available for all attendees. The voting info session will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7 at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, located at 7219 Kelly St. in Pittsburgh. For more information, call the hub at 412-545-5039.
September 4, 2024 OCDEL Issues Hazardous Waste Handling, Storage, and Disposal Advisory The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning has issued an announcement regarding hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal of biological contaminants. Learn More The advisory, released by OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services, includes an update on federal requirements by the U.S. Department of Human Services’ Office of Child Care. The announcement gives guidance on what must be done to maintain compliance with requirements for hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal of biological contaminants. The announcement’s effective date is Oct. 1. The announcement applies to: All DHS-certified school-age programs provide care exclusively to school-age children Early Learning Resource Centers OCDEL staff Requirements All DHS certified child care programs must ensure that cleaning and toxic materials are: Kept in an area or container that is locked or inaccessible to children Stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content Stored away from food, food preparation areas, and child care spaces Used in a way that does not contaminate play surfaces, food, or food preparation areas, and does not constitute a hazard to children Trash must be removed from facilities at least once per day and from the facility grounds at least once per week. More requirements are listed on the Pennsylvania Key’s website. More Details A pre-recorded, on-demand webinar is available for certified child care providers. The webinar provides an overview of the announcement. Any questions about the announcement should be directed to regional child care offices: Central Region: 800-222-2117 Northeast Region: 800-222-2108 Western Region: 800-222-2149 Southeast – North Region: 800-346-2929 Southeast – South Region: 800-346-2929
